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E41
ICD-10-CM
Refeeding Syndrome

Understanding Refeeding Syndrome diagnosis, treatment, and prevention is crucial for healthcare professionals. This resource provides information on Refeeding Syndrome ICD-10 code (E87.1), clinical manifestations, electrolyte abnormalities (hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia), and monitoring guidelines. Learn about the pathophysiology of Refeeding Syndrome, risk factors in malnutrition, and best practices for safe refeeding, including nutritional support and laboratory testing. Improve your clinical documentation and medical coding accuracy with this comprehensive guide for clinicians managing patients at risk of Refeeding Syndrome.

Also known as

Refeeding Hypophosphatemia
Refeeding Electrolyte Imbalance

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Metabolic disturbances upon feeding malnourished individuals, marked by fluid and electrolyte shifts.
  • Clinical Signs : Edema, cardiac arrhythmias, confusion, seizures. Monitor phosphate, potassium, magnesium.
  • Common Settings : Eating disorders, alcoholism, post-operative nutrition, chronic malnutrition.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC E41 Coding
E87.7

Disorders of fluid, electrolyte

Includes electrolyte and fluid imbalances like refeeding syndrome.

E64.0

Malnutrition

Severe protein-calorie malnutrition predisposing to refeeding syndrome.

E40-E46

Malnutrition

Includes various forms of undernutrition increasing refeeding risk.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the patient experiencing refeeding syndrome?

  • Yes

    Is it due to a specified condition?

  • No

    Do not code refeeding syndrome. Code the presenting diagnosis.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Metabolic shifts after refeeding
Starvation-induced malnutrition
Cachexia due to malignancy

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Refeeding syndrome diagnosis: Document electrolyte levels (phosphorus, potassium, magnesium).
  • Document patient's nutritional status prior to refeeding initiation.
  • Refeeding syndrome ICD-10-CM code E87.1: Confirm and document specific criteria met.
  • Document monitoring frequency and refeeding plan details.
  • Document any clinical manifestations of refeeding syndrome (e.g., edema, seizures).

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Electrolyte Imbalance

    Coding refeeding syndrome without specifying the associated hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, or hypomagnesemia leads to underreporting severity and CC/MCC capture.

  • Missed Secondary Diagnoses

    Failing to code underlying malnutrition or the precipitating condition causing the refeeding syndrome impacts accurate DRG assignment and quality metrics.

  • Lack of Clinical Validation

    Insufficient documentation to support the diagnosis of refeeding syndrome can trigger audit denials and revenue loss. CDI review is crucial.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Identify at-risk patients: malnutrition, rapid weight loss. ICD-10 E43, E44
  • Start low, go slow: Introduce nutrition gradually. Monitor electrolytes (ICD-10 E87.5)
  • Supplement electrolytes: Phosphorus, potassium, magnesium. Document carefully for CDI
  • Monitor and manage fluid balance: Prevent overload. Ensure accurate clinical documentation
  • Frequent assessment: Vitals, labs, clinical status. Compliance with refeeding guidelines

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. BMI <16 or 5% weight loss/month?
  • 2. Little/no intake >5 days?
  • 3. Low Phos, K, or Mg?
  • 4. Edema or CHF present?

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Refeeding Syndrome diagnosis impacts reimbursement through accurate coding (ICD-10 E87.1) and impacts quality metrics related to malnutrition management and electrolyte monitoring.
  • Impacts: Increased LOS, higher resource utilization, potential readmissions if poorly managed.
  • Coding accuracy crucial for appropriate DRG assignment and maximum reimbursement. Poor documentation can lead to denials.
  • Quality metrics: Serum electrolyte monitoring compliance, nutritional assessment, and patient education on refeeding risks.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Document electrolyte imbalances
  • Code underlying malnutrition first
  • Query physician for RS confirmation
  • Include Phosphate, Mg, K levels
  • Monitor glucose, document changes

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with suspected Refeeding Syndrome, a potentially fatal complication of nutritional rehabilitation in malnourished individuals.  Presenting complaints include [Document specific patient complaints, e.g., fatigue, weakness, confusion, shortness of breath, peripheral edema].  Patient history significant for [Document underlying cause of malnutrition, e.g., anorexia nervosa, chronic alcoholism, prolonged starvation, chemotherapy, major surgery].  Physical examination reveals [Document relevant physical findings, e.g., tachycardia, hypotension, tachypnea, peripheral edema, altered mental status].  Laboratory findings demonstrate [Document electrolyte abnormalities including hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and thiamine deficiency].  Differential diagnosis includes [List relevant differential diagnoses, e.g., heart failure, sepsis, pneumonia, hepatic encephalopathy].  Based on clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and patient history, the diagnosis of Refeeding Syndrome is established.  Treatment plan includes careful electrolyte monitoring, specifically phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium levels, along with thiamine supplementation.  Nutritional support will be initiated cautiously with a gradual increase in caloric intake, following established Refeeding Syndrome guidelines to prevent further complications. Patient education provided on the risks of rapid refeeding and the importance of adherence to the prescribed nutritional plan.  ICD-10 code E87.7 and related malnutrition codes will be applied.  Continued monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory distress, and neurological changes is warranted.  Follow-up appointment scheduled to reassess electrolyte levels and adjust nutritional plan as needed.
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